The Hedonistic Taster
Roederer Estate L’Hermitage 2011 Brut Sparkling Wine
by L.M. Archer, FWS | Bourgogne + Champagne Master Level
“Tête de Cuvée: A wine produced from the first pressing of the grapes, generally considered superior in quality.” – Oxford Dictionary
Brilliance knows no bounds. In 1876, Louis Roederer produced Champagne’s first Cuvée de Prestige, an exclusive bottling for the Tsar of Russia christened Cristal. Today, rock stars and billionaires replace royalty in their unquenchable quest for this ultimate prestige cuvée.
But such foresight traces back the beginnings of this family owned domaine’s 200-year history. In 1833, Louis Roederer introduced the maverick concept of total vineyard ownership, and later, the addition of oak-aged reserve wines to each year’s blend or cuvée. Both would prove the two key elements unique to Louis Roederer’s house style.
This knack for prescience proceeds to the present as well. In 1982, Louis Roederer ventured to northern California, where it founded Roederer Estate, and produced its first Tête de Cuvée, L’Hermitage, in 1989.
(Note: You can learn more about Roederer Estate in my recent Mendocino Harvest 2018 Report in Wines & Vines Magazine.)
Disclaimer: No compensation is received; all opinions expressed are that of the author.
TASTING NOTES:
Wine: Roederer Estate L’Hermitage Brut Sparkling Wine – Anderson Valley
Vintage: 2011
Alcohol: 13%
Suggested Retail: $47.99
Robe: Luminous golden robe. Persistent, pinpoint beading.
Nose: Heady whiffs of marzipan, toast, amber gris and hazelnut.
Bouche: Richly wrought lemon-curd, pear, toasted nut notes unfurl in voluptuous abandon across the palate. Exquisite mouthful, graceful balance, elegant texture.
Takeaway: La Serenissima. A wine of restraint, complexity, and opulence – much like drinking in a Venetian sunset. Brilliant old soul in a brave new world.
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Copyrighted ©2018 L.M. Archer. All Rights Reserved.
I remember tasting Cristal in my early 20s. I gave a few cross country ski lessons to Vidal Sasson who invited my boyfriend and I to dinner. I knew it was good champagne but didn’t know anything about wine back then. I’ve enjoyed Roederer many times since. This is a lovely wine!
Lucky girl! Yes,the Roederer Estate L’Hermitage lives up to its breeding. And a bit less spendy than it’s megawatt, superstar half-sib Cristal. Cheers, Lynn – happy tasting!